Alabama Department of Insurance Introduces New Commissioner

Jim L. Ridling began his new job as Alabama Insurance Commissioner on Sept. 15 under appointment by Gov. Bob Riley

Ridling entered a management training program in 1967 with Fireman’s Fund Insurance. This lead to several management positions and culminated in his service as executive vice president of U.S. Operations.

In 1987 Ridling embraced a new challenge, leaving California to come back to his native South. He traded his stock in American Express (which owned Fireman’s Fund at the time) for ownership in Southern Guaranty, a Fireman’s Fund subsidiary headquartered in Montgomery.

He came to Montgomery as Southern Guaranty’s president and chief executive officer. The following year, Southern Guaranty sold to Winterthur Swiss, and Ridling remained in his previous role and added the duties of chairman until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2003.

Ridling and other local business leaders formed River Bank and Trust, where he currently serves as vice chairman.

Ridling replaces Walter Bell, former NAIC president, who recently accepted a position with Swiss Re.

Source: Alabama Department of Insurance

Topics Alabama